Main Content Area

How to Take Classes Online

Aims offers students access to quality education while taking classes independently, off-campus and when it fits their personal schedule.

Students working on computer

Sign up for online class orientation

Get support to succeed in your online courses.

Getting Started with Online Courses

getting-started

Modern technology such as D2L and supporting media-based software allows students to access weekly lessons, assignments, and exams along with opportunities to engage in online virtual communities. Classes provided in the online format can be found in the Class Schedule. Visit the D2L Tutorials and Online Course Support page for self-guided tutorials to help you navigate some of the common tasks you'll complete during your online courses.

Are you ready to take an online course?

While it might seem as if online classes at Aims are easier than in-person classes, that is not the case. There are also specific communication and technology requirements that you’ll need in order to get the most out of an online class. 
 
Take the online readiness survey and get started on your journey to online learning. 

Woman using computer

Learn what resources and skills you need to take online classes at Aims.

Take the online readiness survey now

After taking the survey, you can connect with an Aims Online Learning Specialist, who can answer questions about your results and connect you with any resources you need to succeed in online learning. 


Recommended: Online class orientation sessions

online-orientation

When you enroll in your first online course at Aims, we recommend attending an "Orientation to Online Learning" session. This will give you the opportunity to become familiar with the technology you'll need for online courses and ask questions. If you would like to take a self-paced orientation for D2L, please use the D2L Self-Registration instructions below.

Online Orientation Session Times

Several options for online course orientation sessions are offered each semester in English or Spanish. Select a time that works for you and use the corresponding Zoom registration link to sign up for the session you would like to attend.

We recommend all students who enroll for Online, Remote, or FLEX classes take these Online Zoom Orientations for Online Learning. Orientations are about one hour long, with and include an additional 30 minutes available for questions or practice with D2L/online tools.

Online orientations will include how to get ready for your courses with topics such as:
‣ D2L, including an overview of how to navigate D2L course shells
‣ How to find your syllabus
‣ myApps/Okta, Google Apps, and Microsoft software (and how to access it free as a student)
‣ Student Services information

Please contact Marina.Rodriguez@aims.edu with registration questions for the Online Orientation Zoom sessions.

Fall Term (15 Week) Starts August 21st

Virtual (Zoom) Meetings - use the links in the last column to connect to the meeting.
Date Language/Delivery Format Time Zoom Link
Tuesday, January 16 English, Online via Zoom 9:00 a.m. Online Orientations Spring 2024 English
Thursday, January 18 English, Online via Zoom 3:30 p.m. Online Orientations Spring 2024 English
Wednesday, January 24 English, Online via Zoom 3:30 p.m. Online Orientations Spring 2024 English
Thursday, January 25 English, Online via Zoom 9:00 a.m. Online Orientations Spring 2024 English
Monday, January 29 English, Online via Zoom 9:00 a.m. Online Orientations Spring 2024 English
Jueves, Enero 18 Español, en línea via Zoom 2:00 p.m. ​Español Orientaciones en linea primavera 2024 - Zoom
Miércoles, Enero 24 Español, en línea via Zoom 2:00 p.m. ​Español Orientaciones en linea primavera 2024 - Zoom
Lunes, Enero 29 Español en línea via Zoom 3:30 p.m. ​Español Orientaciones en linea primavera 2024 - Zoom


Get Support with Online Classes

Support

Beyond your first orientation, support is available so you can be successful in your online courses. If you are experiencing any challenges with online learning or have questions, set up an in-person or online appointment with Online Learning Specialist Marina Rodriguez.

Photo of Marina Rodriguez

Marina Rodriguez

Bilingual Online Learning Specialist

Aims Online Learning Specialists can assist you with the following:

  • Navigating D2L
  • Understanding online instructions
  • Understanding instructor feedback
  • Online support
  • Improving online communication
  • Supporting communication with faculty and students
  • Bilingual support
  • Study techniques
  • Online learning strategies

For tech support, you can visit the Learning Commons support staff on your campus, or reach out to the Aims Online 24/7 Support Desk for help.


Tips for Success

online-readiness-videos
Readiness Videos for Online Classes